ACOWAR (Rhysand's POV)

Chapter 19

(Rhysand's POV)

"Welcome back, Eris." I drawled, swirling my wine again. The words were an effort to get out. "It's been what - five centuries since you last set foot in here?" As Eris strolled to the empty chair beside Keir, I kept my eyes on the gouge marks in the table. I could feel Mor's glare boring into my skull. 

"It has indeed been a while." Eris said smoothly, the feet of his chair scraping against the stones. He had healed since that day on the ice, no sign of the gut-wound Cassian had given him. 

What is he doing here? Feyre's voice flowed into my mind, her tone cautious. 

Making sure Keir agrees to help. I glanced at Azriel, watching his shadows curl around him as he stared down Eris. 

"You once wanted to build ties to Autumn, Keir," I said, setting down my goblet and leaning forward onto my elbows. "Well, here's your chance. Eris is willing to offer you a formal alliance - in exchange for you services in this war." 

How the hell did you get him to agree to that? Feyre's question flowed over again, but I wasn't sure how to answer. I wasn't sure I wanted to answer. 

Rhysand. 

My gaze remained forward as I realized what I was feeling was shame. 

Keir leaned back in his char, "It is not enough." 

Eris snorted as he poured himself wine from the decanter, his eyes skimming over the gouge marks I had left. "I'd forgotten why I was so relieved when our bargain fell apart last time." 

I breathed deeply, not letting Eris' comment strike too hard. "What is it that you want, then, Keir?" 

"I want out." Keir said assuredly. "I want space. I want my people to be free of this mountain." 

"You have every comfort," Feyre's voice broke in, "And yet it is not enough?" Her hands splayed on the dark glass of the table. 

"You have been keeping secrets, High Lord." Keir didn't bother glancing in Feyre's direction, in addressing her statement at all. Again, I tightened the leash on my power as it scratched to get out. "I always wondered - where all of you went when you weren't here. Hybern answered that questions at last - thanks to that attack on. . . what is its name? Velaris. Yes. On Velaris. The City of Starlight." 

Mor went utterly still, a soft grunt escaping as she caught on her breath. 

"I want access to the city," Keir said. "For me, and my court." 

"No." Mor's said. Her voice rang through the chamber. Feyre's face softened at the pain in the word, then turned her eyes to me. 

You can't be serious. 

I watched Keir as I answered down our bond, still too ashamed to meet her gaze. I anticipated this - and I took precautions. 

A few moments of silence stretched on as Keir took another sip from his glass. A small trickle of red liquid slipped past his lips, trailing down his chin. He wiped it away with the back of his hand as he set the glass aside. Eris idly traced a finger around the rim of his goblet, clearly entertained by the unfolding drama. Yet, there was a subtle tension in him, a barely restrained effort not to glance at Mor - as if. . . this hurt him too.